PCN APCOA Luton Airport

Skininho

Hi all,

I'm afraid I may have made a crucial error before even starting. I received a PCN from APCOA regarding an alleged contravention of dropping off / picking up outside a designated area.

My circumstances were as follows:

1. I had prebooked parking in the short stay car park
2. I had two friends with me.
3. I went into the wrong lane (the signage is awful!) and as we were cutting it fine for catching the flight, I got the two passengers to get out while I tried to negotiate my way back around to the proper lane for the car park. There were no other vehicles around, I did not obstruct traffic, and did not put anyone in any danger.

And now the mistake.

I received the PCN and first decided to phone to explain that I had prebooked parking, in the hope that they would accept this. I was not aware of this forum or any of the ppc stuff at this stage.

They said I would have to write a letter. I then Googled for templates and found this forum. Having read through it all I now understand what is going on, which I didn't before. The problem: I am pretty sure that I would have confirmed on the phone that I was the driver. Eg. I asked "what exactly is it that I did?" or words to that effect.

I therefore don't think I can use the standard I'm the registered keeper, not the driver angle.

So what can I do at this stage? As I had prebooked parking (which I could get the confirmation for from email), can I not just go on this:

1. I had prepaid
2. I went into wrong lane as signage was poor
3. Did not see any terms and conditions and therefore do not accept that a contract was formed?

Would be grateful for any help.

Redx

just use the template letter, in writing, dont admit anything , assume you hadnt phoned and assume you have give nothing away

the idea is to get a cancellation or popla code

just do it, at the PO, with free certificate of posting, keep that cert safe too

Skininho

Thanks, can do that.

I gave the call centre person the reference number though, isn't it likely they will have recorded the call? I don't want to make it worse later down the line.

Redx

obviously this may have happened, but too late now, so just treat this in the usual manner by assuming they dont know that the caller was the actual driver

Skininho

Letter sent, fingers crossed....

Skininho

Quick update and question, I posted my letter of appeal on 29th December, it's now 14th January and no response, at what stage can I stop expecting a reply?

Redx

14 days to acknowledge (rarely happens with most PPC,s)

35 days for a response (according to the BPA CoP)

Skininho

Further update, I haven't received anything back from them. Do I need to write again to say "you didn't respond, I'm taking that as agreement to my letter", or do I just forget about it now?

bazster

Yes you can do that, and as a pre-emptive strike copy it to the BPA highlighting the breach of their Code of Practice. If the BPA contacts APCOA about it they may well cancel the charge.

It's only APCOA on their microscopically-thin airport ice though, nothing to worry about.